How to listen to the radio with wireless headphones on Samsung Galaxy

Many smartphone users Samsung face an unexpected limitation: the built-in application FM radio refuses to work when Bluetooth headsets are connected. This is due to the physical nature of signal reception, which requires a wired antenna, the role of which is traditionally performed by a headphone cable. However, modern technologies make it possible to bypass this limitation and enjoy broadcast stations wirelessly.

In this article we will analyze in detail the technical nuances of the operation of the radio module in the shell One UI and offer proven methods for broadcasting sound to wireless devices. You will find out why the system blocks the function and what third-party solutions will help restore access to your favorite apps.

Technical limitations of the built-in tuner

The main reason for the inability to use Bluetooth headphones with a standard application is the design of the antenna. The radio chip in smartphones Samsung Galaxy is configured to work only through a 3.5 mm or USB-C connector, where a wired headset is connected.

The wireless interface simply cannot transmit an analog radio signal directly to the phone receiver. The system detects the absence of physical contact and automatically deactivates the frequency scanning function. This is not a software bug, but a hardware limitation put in by engineers to ensure reception quality.

However, there are workarounds. Some models allow you to broadcast audio if you first start the radio with wires and then switch, but this method is unstable. Most often, you need to use alternative software that can work with Internet streams or has special drivers.

⚠️ Attention: Attempts to use third-party applications to force the FM chip to turn on without an antenna can lead to overheating of the radio module or incorrect operation of the Bluetooth stack.

Using Internet radio as alternative

The most reliable way to listen to broadcast stations wirelessly is to switch to digital streams. Aggregator applications broadcast the same content as FM waves, but use mobile data or Samsung without wires is a transition to digital streams. Aggregator applications broadcast the same content as FM waves, but use mobile data or Wi-Fi connection.

The sound quality in this case will be much higher, since there is no noise and crackling characteristic of an analog signal. You can listen to your favorite stations in AAC or MP3 format with a high bitrate, which is especially important for music lovers.

Popular services automatically detect your location and offer local stations in your region. This eliminates the need to manually search for frequencies and adjust the antenna every time you move.

• 📻 Radio Garden —a unique globe with stations from all over the world.
• 🎧 TuneIn Radio —a huge database of local and international channels.
• 📡 Simple Radio —minimalistic interface and fast loading of streams.

Third-party applications for working with the FM chip

There is a category of apps that try to directly interact with the hardware radio module Android, ignoring the system requirements for a connected wired headset. The operation of such utilities is highly dependent on the specific processor model and driver version.

For example, an application NextRadio (if supported by your region) can activate the chip and transmit sound to a speaker or Bluetooth. However, on new models Samsung Galaxy S23/S24 this function is often blocked at the firmware level.

Before installing such software, you need to check compatibility. Often you need to have root access or enable USB debugging to force the service to start. Without these manipulations, the application may simply give an error when trying to scan.

Application name	Operation type	Internet required	Compatibility with Samsung
NextRadio	FM chip	No (for guide only)	Low (depending on the model)
Spirit2	FM chip	No	Requires Root and patches
TuneIn	Internet stream	Yes	Full
VRadio	Internet stream	Yes	Full

⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and the list of available stations can change developers at any time. Look for up-to-date information about support for your model in the description of a specific application in Google Play.

Why did the FM radio application disappear?

In some regions (for example, the USA and Canada), Samsung programmatically disables the FM module at the firmware level due to low demand and the promotion of streaming services. In Europe and Asia, this function is usually available.

Setting up Bluetooth audio and codecs

Even if you managed to broadcast radio to wireless headphones, the sound quality may suffer due to the wrong choice codec. The standard SBC codec often produces delay and compression, which is noticeable in voice transmissions.

In the developer settings on Android you can force a more advanced compression algorithm if your headphones support it. This will improve the clarity of the announcer's speech and background music.

To access these parameters, you need to activate the developer mode by clicking seven times on the build number in the menu About phone. Then in the section for developers, find the item "Bluetooth Audio Codec".

• 🔹 aptX - provides a balance between quality and latency.
• 🔹 LDAC - maximum quality for Sony headphones and Samsung flagships.
• 🔹 SBC - basic codec, always available, but quality average.

Step-by-step connection instructions

To ensure stable operation of the radio with a wireless headset, it is recommended to follow a certain algorithm of actions. A mismatch may result in audio going to your phone's speaker instead of your headphones.

First, make sure your headphones are paired and connected as your default audio output device. You can check this in the notification shade by clicking on the media output icon.

Then launch the selected radio application. If you are using an Internet aggregator, simply select a station. If you are trying to use the FM chip through utilities like NextRadio, follow the instructions on the calibration screen.

Settings -> Connections -> Bluetooth -> Select device -> Connected

If the sound does not appear, try restarting the service Bluetooth or the app itself. Sometimes it helps to temporarily disable Wi-Fi to eliminate frequency conflicts, although this is rare on modern chips.

Solving common problems and conflicts

Users often complain that the radio sound is interrupted or disappears when the screen is locked. This may be due to aggressive battery optimization in the shell One UIthat closes background processes.

To fix this, you need to add the radio app to the power saving exceptions list. Go to the battery settings, find the desired app and select the mode "Do not limit".

Another problem is desynchronization of sound and image (if the application has visualization). In this case, clearing the application cache or reinstalling Bluetooth codecs through the engineering menu helps.

⚠️ Attention: When using Internet radio in roaming, make sure that you have an appropriate tariff plan, otherwise traffic bills may be significant.

What to do if the radio only works with screen?

This is a classic optimization problem. Go to Settings -> Applications -> Your Radio -> Battery and check the box "Allow background activity".

Comparison of listening methods

The choice between using the built-in chip and the Internet stream depends on your priorities. If saving traffic and working in areas without a network is critical, then attempts to activate the FM module are justified, despite the difficulties with connecting Bluetooth.

If sound quality, ease of switching stations and no fiddling with settings are important to you, then Internet radio is the uncontested leader. Modern tariffs allow you to listen to the air for hours without significant costs.

Owners of flagships Samsung without a 3.5 mm jack are actually deprived of the opportunity to use classic FM radio without adapters. For them, digital services become the only convenient option for integration with wireless headphones.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to listen to FM radio on Samsung without the Internet?

Yes, this is only possible through the built-in FM chip. However, to output sound to Bluetooth headphones without the Internet, you will need special applications (such as NextRadio) and luck with driver compatibility. In most cases, without the Internet, the sound will only go to the speaker or wired headphones.

Why doesn’t the Radio application see my wireless headphones?

The standard Samsung application requires a physical antenna, which is the headset wire. Bluetooth devices cannot act as an antenna for receiving radio waves, so the system blocks the function from starting.

Does low battery affect signal reception?

There is no direct connection, but when the battery is low (less than 15%), the system may limit the operation of the radio module and Bluetooth to save energy, which will lead to poor reception or muted sound.

Which codec is best for voice broadcasting?

For talk stations and news, codecs with a low compression level and good transmission of mid frequencies are best suited, for example aptX or LC3 (in the new Bluetooth LE Audio standards).

Need Should I buy a special adapter?

No, special FM transmitters in the car cigarette lighter are not needed for a smartphone. If you want to use wired headphones as an antenna and listen via Bluetooth, there are complex schemes with external DACs, but for the average user it is easier to use Internet radio.